What does a 515 spray tip mean?

A 515 airless spray tip usually means about a 10 inch fan width at 12 inches from the surface and a 0.015 inch orifice.

How do you read airless paint sprayer tip numbers?

For common three-digit airless tips, double the first digit to estimate fan width in inches at about 12 inches from the surface. The last two digits are the orifice size in thousandths of an inch.

What size tip should I use for latex paint?

Many interior latex paints are sprayed with tips around 0.015 to 0.017 inch, such as 515 or 517, but always check the coating label and sprayer rating.

Painting size converter

Paint Sprayer Tip Size Converter

Convert airless spray tip numbers like 515, 311, or 517 into fan width, orifice size, millimeters, and practical coating notes.

Decode a spray tip number

Use a tip code, or build a code from the fan width and orifice you want.

Conversion mode Tip code Three digits, such as 211, 311, 515, 517, or 619.

Tip size 515 = 10 in fan, 0.015 in orifice

25.4 cm fanApproximate fan width 0.381 mmOrifice diameter Common wall-paint rangeCoating note

A 515 tip is commonly read as a 10 inch fan at 12 inches from the surface with a 0.015 inch orifice.

How to read a paint sprayer tip code

Most three-digit airless spray tips use a simple shorthand: the first digit doubled gives the approximate fan width in inches, and the last two digits give the orifice in thousandths of an inch.

311: 6 inch fan, 0.011 inch orifice.
515: 10 inch fan, 0.015 inch orifice.
619: 12 inch fan, 0.019 inch orifice.

Tip size guidance

Smaller orifices are often used for stains, sealers, lacquers, and fine finishes. Mid-size tips around .015 to .017 are common for many wall paints. Larger tips can suit primers, exterior coatings, and heavier materials if your sprayer supports them.

Tip charts vary by brand and coating. Use this converter for quick sizing, then confirm the recommended tip range on the paint label and sprayer manual.

Common airless spray tip size chart

Tip code	Fan width	Orifice	Orifice mm	Typical use

FAQ

What does a 517 spray tip mean?

A 517 tip usually means an approximate 10 inch fan at 12 inches from the surface and a 0.017 inch orifice.

Is a 515 or 517 tip bigger?

A 517 has the same estimated fan width as a 515, but the 0.017 inch orifice is larger than 0.015 inch. It can pass more material if the sprayer and coating allow it.

Does the fan width stay exactly the same?

No. The fan width is an estimate measured around 12 inches from the surface. Actual width changes with distance, pressure, tip wear, coating thickness, and technique.